Why poor littering habit is a Blankety-Blank

The current generation will never pay for the price of environmental destruction, and that is the problem. We are continuously destroying the environment; unknowingly or knowing. The price that the next generation will pay because of our actions will be unbearable. This begs the question,

“What is the cost you are leaving behind for your great grandchild?” Destroyed forests? Dried up rivers? Heaps of litter in the ocean or rivers? No Wildlife roaming freely in the savannah?

But what is the problem?

We all love consuming amazing brands that are well reviewed, packaged with amazing colors. They make us feel like the most superior in the animal kingdom. But, after using these amazing products do you ever ask yourself where the packaging will end up?

Think about it, most of us will let it slip off our hands to the ground, hoping that the city council will come and clean them up. What if the City Council never comes, you’ll have just completed the first step of “The simple way to starting a dump site for Dummies”   – With just one plastic bottle and a few banana peels. At that same spot, the next human will drop his litter and the dump site will be established.

When it rains, all the litter you left behind will be swept into the river and other water bodies. The same water bodies, where you obtain your drinking water (repackaged into another plastic bottle).  If it does not rain, the litter will begin decomposing and will produce that ‘pungent odor’ when you pass again at that place you started the dumpsite, you’ll block your nose, saying silently …”oh! My, that place sticks….”

Our Blankety-Blank (lousy) behaviour towards the environment is the problem and if we continue at this state the next generation will pay a hefty price.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Learn and practice the art of waste segregation from the household to the authorized dumpsite

This should be done from every household where you separate the dry waste from the wet waste. Dry waste includes wood and related products, metals and glass. Wet waste, refers to organic waste such as left over foods.

You may also segregate on the basis of biodegradable or non-biodegradable waste. Biodegradable wastes are items that can break down into natural materials in the environment without causing pollution. While non-biodegradable are items that cannot be changed to a harmless natural state by the action of bacteria, and may therefore damage the environment

Learn and practice the art of responsible littering

After using any product, be respectful enough to drop it off at the designated area such as recycling bin or regular dustbin. Why should we drop it at that designated area as opposed to elsewhere or anywhere? A recycling plant will benefit, good habits can improve one’s lifestyle and you make the environment clean

Apply the principle of 4Rs of waste management

This should be applied in all levels from an individual, household and industrial level. This helps to mainly reduce the operation costs.

A simple illustration of reduction, reuse, recycling and recovery is illustrated on the video below.

Support clean ups and riparian restoration programs

Join passionate individuals or groups in carrying out restoration activities such as tree planting and clean-up activities. For instance, Kenya has green initiatives that mobilise individuals to clean rivers, towns and parks, giving those areas their aesthetic value back. Team Environment Kenya, Clean up Kenya and Mazingira Yetu have been at the forefront of restoring the dignity of our natural and man made environments in Nairobi.

Teach your friend, family and society to stop the poor littering habits

When you see someone littering, kindly ask them to be responsible enough to take the waste to the nearby dustbin. Teach every young person that littering is not good and it causes pollution to the environment.

Ask your favorite brands to support conservation initiatives

When sipping your favorite soda at the park, take a picture and tag the manufacturer. Ask them to support a cleaning initiative near a river near you.

The environment needs you to take care of it, nobody will but you. Take a step today and make a difference.